DAY OF RECKONING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24492, 28 December 1940, Page 7

DAY OF RECKONING

ABYSSINIANS WAITING HATRED OF OPPRESSORS THE REVOLT SPREADING (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph-^-Copyrignt) ■'V, -LONDON, Dec. 26. (Received Dec.; 27, at 8 p.m.) Reports from several sources indicate the growth of the Abyssinian revolt against the Italians, especially in the forests and hills, where guerrillas spring from hiding to ambush unwary Italians. Rebel bands are increasing and dominate large areas. The Nairobi correspondent of The Times reports that many thousands in various parts of the country are actively opposing Italian rule and are anxious to obtain every help which Britain is able to give and which she is giving to the utmost. Guerrilla leaders have been crossing the border at the risk of their lives in order to make contact with the British authorities. They brought to Kenya such evidences of success as Italian officers uniforms, armaments and equipment and official documents. The Italians are afraid to move in many areas unless heavily escorted. s . ',

Guerrillas on the road south of Addis Ababa ambushed two companies of colonial infantry, killing 80, including four Italians. The whole battalion of Italians sent to punish the guerrillas was ambushed, 50 being killed. There is ample evidence that thousands of Abyssinians are rapidly becoming.better armed in preparation for Italy's day of reckoning. ■:"